Skip to content

LETTER: Objections to development are puzzling

Orchard was destroyed to allow for new housing construction in Trout Creek
web1_170316-SUM-Typewriter

Dear Editor:

It is quite puzzling to see so many people getting all fired up about the proposed iCasa Development at Banks Crescent.

Not a single week goes by where there is not at least one letter in our local newspaper citing reasons why it should not proceed. And every other week council receives a new batch of signatures for the petition against it.

The latest set of objections, submitted to the Summerland Review by Nancy Goudy, is based on a perceived increase of carbon emissions.

This is perplexing because in terms of carbon emissions, high-quality, high-density housing within a green, walkable neighbourhood is near the top of the list of desirable human habitats.

Near the bottom of the same list though, are large, single family residences located far away from all services. This is where the Lighthouse Landing development in Trout Creek fits in.

Six acres of productive orchard right on the shores of Okanagan Lake were razed to the ground and replaced with impermeable asphalt, concrete and roofing shingles.

This is a flood zone which during the last few weeks needed protection from rising lake waters. Emergency crews were dispatched at tax payers’ expense.

Protected trees are being removed. And worst of all: there are no shops, services, doctors in a six-kilometre radius. Residents hop into their cars and drive to get whatever they need.

So why is everyone fussing about Banks Crescent and nobody raises an eyebrow about Lighthouse Landing?

Are those who object to the iCasa Development really concerned about the environment, the fish hatchery and finding the best place for older folks to live?

Or are they just being swept along by a current of objections that is fed by those who do not like a change to their neighbourhood?

Consider the following: Summerland’s historic Lowertown was chosen by us citizens as a place that needs to be revitalized. What better way than settling nearby a few hundred folks with lots of time and some spare change in their pocket.

Build a walking/cycling trail to Lakeshore Road and the Lakeshore Pathway, get a few businesses to renovate and set up shop in some of the dilapidated commercial space, provide trips into downtown with a couple of electric commuter vans et voila, you have yourself a prime neighbourhood that checks all the boxes on the carbon emission to do list.

Let’s look for ideas, folks, not for reasons why it can’t be done.

Henry Sielmann

Summerland